Taking the right insurance courses can make the difference between landing an insurance job with a major national agency and not obtaining a license to sell insurance within your state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, insurance agents earn an annual median wage exceeding $46,000. If you want to become a successful agent, there are a few courses to keep in mind that can help you on your career path.

Education Requirements

A minimum requirement to become an insurance agent is typically a high school diploma or its equivalent. Although no college degree is necessary, many employers require or prefer a degree. Obtaining a degree in a relevant subject such as finance, economics or business administration will help make you more desirable to potential employers. College courses that look good on your resume include business law, business communication, risk management, insurance, financial management, financial accounting, leadership and marketing.

Skill Development

Insurance salesmen are typically expected to have three to five years of related experience. This experience can be obtained through insurance, banking, finance or direct sales experience. Many insurance companies offer internships or training positions to aid in the development of skills necessary for insurance brokering success. Such skills can include public speaking, team building, and marketing. Companies such as New York Life and Aflac invest in skill training classes and mentoring to ensure the success of new agents.

State Licensing

The most important course for a new insurance agent is the license training course. Regardless of the type of insurance you sell, you must be registered as an insurance agent with your state. To do so, you must register for a state-approved training course in the insurance type of your choice and take a proctored exam. You can take exams in life, health, accident and car insurance, to name a few. Once you pass the exam you are allowed to sell insurance in your state.

Continuing Education

Every two years after you pass the exam you must report to your state's insurance department a continuing education course you have taken in order to retain your license. Because many insurance companies diversify into other forms of insurance, you might be required to hold multiple insurance licenses. Major insurance companies like Northwestern Mutual, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and New York Life offer financial planning and wealth management training for high-achieving agents. These agents might be required to acquire financial certifications in financial planning or as an underwriter to progress within the company.

About the Author

Nicole Manuel is a finance and economics writer with a degree in economics and more than six years of professional writing experience. She is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) known as The Personal Eco-nomist, who specializes in helping people live healthy, abundant lives on a budget.